Just home from pacemaker surgery

Chest moving

by Good Dog - 2016-06-28 20:06:54

I really doubt that seeing his chest move with his pulse is anything to be concerned about, providing that he feels O.K. I would think that they checked him out very well before they released him. You need to be patient. Be assured that these devices are extremely reliable. Obviously, the primary purpose of the PM is to insure that his heart is working properly and pumping efficiently. If there is a problem, he will be symptomatic in that he won't feel well (light-headed, dizzy, passing-out, etc.).  Those are the warning signs.

This is one of those situations where it is best to give it a few days as there will be changes taking place as he adjusts and begins to heal. It may be necessary for the doc to adjust/change settings sometime during the first few months.

If he doesn't feel well and you have any additional concerns, you shouldn't hesitate to call the Doc. He is working for you and it is always best to be safe rather than sorry.

Wishing you and your husband the best!

David

Just home

by green18 - 2016-06-28 21:44:06

I am only 1 week post-implant.  I feel my heart beat when resting because that is when the pacer kicks in.  It is set at 50 and I pretty much rest in the 40's normally.  I was told that they initially set the voltage a little higher due to scar tissue so I might feel it a little more initially but it will get turned down.

I find it hard to not pay attention to every pain or different feeling but I think patience is key.  It is a pretty dramatic thing and I plan to let everything settle in. I would just give it some time.

Just home

by BudK - 2016-06-28 22:11:57

Thanks to both of you for your responses.  I agree that the Dr. would not have released him if he was exhibiting any problems.  The logical part of my brain knows that but It is just that it is new...and kind of scary.My husband is not totally computer savvy but I am going to encourage him to get on this forum and participate himself instead of relying on me!!! Thanks again!

Heart Beat

by gleesue - 2016-06-29 13:10:18

Your husband is recovering from two procedures to his heart, an ablation and PM insertion. I've had four ablations, with a fifth scheduled for July 25. It takes time for the heart to sellte in after an ablation.If your husband had problems with arrythmias, they can still persist after an ablation for a while until the heart adjusts. My EP at The Cleveland Clinic says that can take up to three months. When I'm in my arrythmia my wife can feel the beats when she is next to me in bed. She could feel them this morning and asked what my heart was doing.

It's probably not anything that time won't heal in time. I think most of us at rest, particularly in bed, can feel our heats beat and see our chest move. That's natural. If it's more than that consult you Dr.

Hope all goes well with the recovery!

Jerry

Just Home

by Rlafoy - 2016-06-29 22:25:05

Sometimes with CRT devices you can experience what is called Phrenic Nerve Stimulation as a result of the left ventricular lead resting near the Left Phrenic nerve (this nerve controls your diaphragm.)  This can result in the chest jumping or feeling like hiccups.  It is harmless, just annoying.  Usually phrenic nerve stim is position dependent (likely more incidence when laying down). Try changing positions to see if it goes away. There is a chance that he is just feeling pacing which may feel foreign but will likely become unoticeable.  If the thumping goes away with position changing, tell your clinician about it and they can usually program around it.

Rich